Diagnostics company Qiagen has announced a partnership with Health Innovation Manchester to develop a genomics and diagnostics campus in the city that could provide up to 800 new jobs.

The US-based firm, which specialises in molecular research, plans to build a campus in Manchester, working with the University of Manchester, the NHS, and the Government.

Qiagen already operates from a location in Manchester based off Lloyd Street North. These existing facilities will be expanded as part of the development.

The company is active in 25 countries and employs 4,200 people worldwide.

The Government said the partnership would “attract companies from across the world to the North West,” and that more details behind the new campus would be “formally announced in the coming weeks”.

Peer M. Schatz, chief executive of Qiagen, said: “We are very excited about this partnership with Health Innovation Manchester, and the essential engagement of the University of Manchester, the NHS Trust and the UK government. Our success together can advance science and improve the lives of patients in the local region as well as worldwide.”

The announcement formed part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy White Paper, outlined by business secretary Greg Clark today.

Life sciences is one of four sectors to receive a Sector Deal in the White Paper, alongside construction, artificial intelligence, and automotive.

These will benefit from the £725m Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, including £170m for construction, and £210m towards healthcare research & development.

Clark said: “We have a thriving research and science base and are home to a wide range of innovative sectors, from advanced manufacturing and life sciences, to fintech and creative industries.

“The Industrial Strategy is an unashamedly ambitious vision for the future of our country, laying out how we tackle our productivity challenge, earn our way in the future, and improve living standards across the country.”